Chu won the most votes of any candidate in legislative elections last year as the public rallied around the rural redevelopment issue.

He has received death threats since he ran for office and suggests there are links between the government, businesses, the rural elites and criminal "triad" gangs.

Chu says the shadowy system allows developers and rural leaders to wield outsize influence, including over the city's development plans.

Wang Chau villagers have made tearful representations to lawmakers.

"The government only does these backroom negotiations with rural leaders while shutting their ears to the people who actually live here, sweeping us out like rubbish," said one resident, Lo Kuen, speaking in parliament last November.

Those plans would affect 6,000 villagers and include the building of luxury flats.

"Where can we move to when the countryside and farmland have all become government targets for development?" said Becky Au, 31, a farmer who is the third generation of her family to live in the northeastern village of Ma Shi Po.

Wang Chau villager and activist Patrick Cheang, 29, said the government is simply creating a different housing need by displacing rural communities.

As political candidates promise more new homes ahead of a vote for Hong Kong's new leader Sunday, villagers plan further protests to make sure they do not lose their own.

"We don't feel much hope, but don't want to give up so soon either," he said.